§ 52. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent British civil aircraft are now affected as to landing rights or passage over the territory of Middle-East countries; and to state the details of such restrictions.
§ Mr. ProfumoB.O.A.C.'s services to the Far East are being routed through Turkey, instead of through Beirut or Cairo, whilst all services to East and Southern Africa are being routed through Libya and the Sudan. B.E.A. is still operating to Cyprus and Tel Aviv. The services of Cyprus Airways and Aden Airways have been curtailed by the prohibition on flying over Egypt and Syria. Landings in Cyprus are subject to special arrangements and overflying is banned.
§ Mr. BeswickThe Joint Parliamentary Secretary has not answered my Question at all. Will he look at this matter again and see the number of countries in the Middle East over which British operators cannot now fly and cannot land for refuelling or other purposes? Is not a good deal of traffic being lost to other than British operators? Is anything being done to remedy these difficulties or mend this damage caused by the British Government's policy?
§ Mr. ProfumoI have answered the Question which is on the Paper, as the hon. Gentleman will see if he looks at it carefully. I give him the assurance that my right hon. Friend is in the closest touch with the Corporations to see that they suffer no inconvenience.
§ Mr. BeswickMay I remind the Joint Parliamentary Secretary that there are operators other than the two Corporations? Has he considered the difficulties which those other operators are suffering?
§ Mr. ProfumoWe have no evidence of any discrimination.